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March 24, 2026
自从(自從)zìcóng(zi4cong2)
自从 (zìcóng) is a conjunction meaning 'since' or 'ever since.' It is used to indicate a starting point in time for an action or situation that continues into the present. Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, it emphasizes continuity from a specific moment in the past.
Frequency#1171DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, acknowledging the past is important, and expressions like 自从 reflect a mindfulness about time and history. For example, people often refer to significant personal or historical milestones using this word.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person saying 'I have been myself (自) since (从) I learned to ride a bike.' Visualize them riding a bike since that moment, symbolizing continuity. The character 自 (self) connects with ‘from oneself’ and 从 (from) signifies the starting point.
Meanings of 自从
zìcóng(zi4cong2)
1since (a time)
2ever since
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 自从
自从Simplified
自從Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
介词jiècípreposition (prep.)Part of Speech
#1171Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 自从
Podcast: 自从
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AI Study Notes for 自从
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person saying 'I have been myself (自) since (从) I learned to ride a bike.' Visualize them riding a bike since that moment, symbolizing continuity. The character 自 (self) connects with ‘from oneself’ and 从 (from) signifies the starting point.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 自从 with 以来 (yǐlái), which also means 'since,' but is used differently in sentences. 自从 often requires a time phrase to follow, while 以来 is more flexible. For example, use '自从我搬家以来' (Since I moved) instead of just '自从我搬家.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 自从 connects with other temporal expressions like 以后 (yǐhòu - after) and 之前 (zhīqián - before). Focus on using it in sentences that describe changes or ongoing actions since a specific event.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, acknowledging the past is important, and expressions like 自从 reflect a mindfulness about time and history. For example, people often refer to significant personal or historical milestones using this word.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 自从 by omitting the time reference. For example, saying '自从我在中国' (Since I in China) is incorrect; it should be '自从我来到中国' (Since I came to China).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 自从
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Grammar Patterns of 自从
自从 functions as a preposition (often called a "coverb" in Chinese). It introduces a phrase that comes BEFORE the main verb (我在家吃饭, 给妈妈打电话), unlike English which puts prepositions after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The satellite had been inactive since its launch two years ago.
Cultural Notes for 自从
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, acknowledging the past is important, and expressions like 自从 reflect a mindfulness about time and history. For example, people often refer to significant personal or historical milestones using this word.
Frequently Asked Questions about 自从
No, 自从 typically requires a time marker to clarify what point in time you are referring to.
Yes, 自从 is commonly used in both contexts, but it's more prevalent in formal writing.
自从 emphasizes the starting point of an action, while 以来 often refers to the duration of that action from the starting point.
